Debt Maturities (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013		Feb. 28, 2011	Aug. 31, 2009
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]
Fair value adjustment related to terminated interest rate swaps on the 7.750% Senior Notes	$ 4,450	[1]	$ 6,823	[1]
7.750% Senior Notes Due 2016
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]
Senior Notes, stated interest rate	7.75%	[2]	7.75%	[2]	7.75%	7.75%

[1] This amount represents the fair value hedge accounting adjustment related to the 7.750% Senior Notes. For further discussion of the Company's fair value hedges, see Note 13 - "Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities" to the Consolidated Financial Statements

[2] During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, the Company issued $312.0 million of seven-year, publicly-registered 7.750% notes (the "7.750% Senior Notes") at 96.1% of par, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $300.0 million. The 7.750% Senior Notes mature on July 15, 2016 and pay interest semiannually on January 15 and July 15. Also, the 7.750% Senior Notes are the Company's senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all other existing and future senior unsecured debt obligations.